Mechanical thermostat: types, operating principle, installation. Thermostats for heating boilers

The operation of modern climatic equipment is not without the use of thermostats. These are small devices, due to which the user can control the parameters of the microclimate. In particular, such devices are used in sets of underfloor heating systems, air conditioners, boiler stations, etc. Today, you can find a variety of different versions of the heating accessories market, but a mechanical thermostat is considered the most affordable, simple and reliable solution in this segment.

Principle of operation of the device

Classical models of this type work on the principle of changing the structure of certain substances against the background of an increase or decrease in temperature. In this case we are talking about gas mixtures contained within a structure. Under the influence of temperature fluctuations, the filling volume of the section containing the active substance is expanded or reduced. These processes just act on the sensitive membrane, making appropriate adjustments to the readings. At the same time, the mechanical heating thermostat serves not only to reflect the current temperature regime, but also allows the user to tune the instrument to a specific work program. Advanced control relays, for example, can be programmed, although this principle of operation still applies for the most part to electronic models.

Varieties

The main feature of the separation of models of this type is the installation method, although it is not the most important from the point of view of operational nuances. Nevertheless, manufacturers themselves allocate wall and hanging devices. That is, the first ones are integrated into the wall niche and practically merge with the surface, and the hinged ones can be mounted in a rack or special supporting structure. Again, in terms of operation, the presence or absence of a microclimate control sensor is more significant. A typical mechanical thermostat contains the same substance that determines the temperature regime, directly in its housing. However, in modern models, even a mechanical type is increasingly encountered and an external method of monitoring the parameters of the microclimate. This means that the thermostat is divided into two components: a sensor that records the temperature at the place of installation, and a control relay.

Features of models for boilers

Boilers for domestic use are considered one of the most complex units in the category of heating equipment. Consequently, the thermostat must also work with a wide range of operating parameters. Moreover, it is in the service of boilers that two- and three-channel models are often used. They allow you to separately control not just different parameters, but, in fact, devices. An illustration of this approach can be a device that simultaneously controls the functions of the boiler itself in the form of a combustion chamber, and in a separate order - a boiler water heating installation. In addition, it is the thermostats for heating boilers that are often manufactured with remote sensors and programming capability.

Main characteristics

In assessing the appropriate thermostat parameters for a particular case, several characteristics should be considered. The base load capacity will be the base, but the same thermostats for boilers with an output of 3.5 kW are quite suitable for the most powerful household unit, so there are no special difficulties in this choice.

It is much more important to calculate the optimum temperature ranges with which a particular modification can work. For example, most indoor units have a scale of 0 to 40 ° C. But if necessary, you can find versions that capture the negative range on average by 10-15 degrees. Another important parameter is the case material. Usually a mechanical thermostat is made of plastic, but for tough operating conditions it is worth considering the possibility of using a metal model, although it is heavier and, as a rule, more expensive.

Manufacturers of thermostats

The market offers enough solutions for all needs, including the requirements for boiler management. In particular, the mechanical thermostat VMT 1 from the manufacturer Ballu has proven itself from the best side due to its functionality, reliability and quality assembly. True, this model has a fairly narrow range of operating temperatures from 10 to 30 ° C, so it can not fit any boiler.

The broader possibilities of temperature control are offered by Electrolux in its Basic ETB line. Also, you should pay attention to offers from companies DEVI, HEAT-PRO, TIMBERK with modifications of TMS, etc. But, if you drop the temperature scale, the standard ballast mechanical Ballu will win from competitors due to the low price tag of 700 rubles.

How to install the device?

First of all, preparatory measures are taken, which can consist in creating a niche in the wall like a rosette. Next, the cable wiring is laid. It is important to consider that, in addition to connecting the main supply line, the device must be interfaced with the equipment. Another thing is that the same wire laying can be avoided by buying a wireless model. For example, modern convectors with a mechanical thermostat are already equipped with radio devices in basic equipment, eliminating unnecessary trouble with installation. But, the wireless principle of interaction with the control equipment is not supported by all the units and this nuance must be taken into account in advance. The same applies to the installation of a remote sensor, which also requires a careful preparation of a special point for fixation. Another thing is that the sensor does not require interference in the wall. It is enough for him to prepare a mounting bracket, on which a small housing will be planted. All the necessary accessories of this kind are usually included in the basic sets of thermostats.

How to use a mechanical thermostat?

Immediately after installation, it is necessary to turn the equipment on to the optimum temperature for the middle range. Do not expect rapid acquisition of the required indicators - the boiler, for example, this may take several hours depending on the version. Further operation will depend on the capabilities of the device itself. For example, a simple room thermostat mechanical only assumes the possibility of switching on / off with the setting of the desired mode at the moment. More technologically advanced models can be adjusted for a week or even a month of operation with automatic change in performance depending on the weather on the street or time of day. This technique works by the type of "smart house" components.

Conclusion

Against the backdrop of a general transition to digital technology, it may seem strange to purchase a mechanical device. But there can be serious reasons for this. First of all, the independence of the device from the electronic principle of work adds to its reliability. In addition, models of this type are cheaper and not so sensitive to failures in electrical wiring. The same convectors with a mechanical thermostat will not suffer in the event of a power surge or overload in the network. But it is necessary to take into account the negative factors of this choice. To the shortcomings of mechanics, experts attribute an error of 2-3 degrees and the sensitivity of the filling to physical influences. For example, even a light blow can affect the accuracy of the readings in the future. But for the sake of fairness, it should be noted and the desire of producers to minimize these disadvantages. This is evidenced by increased accuracy due to the use of a modern element base, and the supply of hulls with additional protective coatings with waterproof and shockproof materials.